signing: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
highneutral to formal
Quick answer
What does “signing” mean?
The act of writing one's signature on a document or using hand gestures to communicate in sign language.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The act of writing one's signature on a document or using hand gestures to communicate in sign language.
In sports and business, the process of formally agreeing to a contract or deal; more broadly, any endorsement or commitment through a signature.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In sports, 'signing' is common in both, but UK English may use 'transfer' more frequently in football contexts, while US English emphasizes 'signing' in American football or baseball.
Connotations
Generally similar, but in business, 'signing' in the US often implies a bonus or incentive, whereas in the UK, it may focus more on the ceremonial aspect.
Frequency
Equally frequent in both varieties, with slight contextual variations in sports and legal terminology.
Grammar
How to Use “signing” in a Sentence
sign + object (e.g., sign a document)sign + for + team/organizationsign + with + companythe signing of + nounVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “signing” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The director is signing the papers for the new film.
- They were signing the treaty in London yesterday.
American English
- She's signing the lease agreement today.
- The athlete will be signing with the team next week.
adverb
British English
- He gestured signingly to convey his point.
- She nodded, signing in agreement during the discussion.
American English
- They communicated signingly using hand signals.
- He responded signingly to avoid noise.
adjective
British English
- The signing ceremony took place at the town hall.
- He received a signing fee for the book deal.
American English
- They offered a signing bonus to attract new hires.
- The signing event for the author was well-attended.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to formal agreements, such as signing contracts, deals, or partnerships, often involving negotiations and legal implications.
Academic
Used in linguistics to discuss sign language or in law to analyze the act of signing documents and its validity.
Everyday
Common in contexts like signing for deliveries, signing greeting cards, or using sign language in communication.
Technical
In computing, refers to digital signing for security; in sports, denotes player acquisition through contracts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “signing”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “signing”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “signing”
- Using 'signing' when 'signature' is meant, e.g., 'I need your signing' instead of 'I need your signature'
- Incorrect preposition: 'signing in a contract' rather than 'signing a contract'
- Confusing 'signing' with 'singing' in spoken English due to similar pronunciation.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Signing' refers to the act of writing a signature or using sign language, while 'signature' is the written name or mark itself.
Yes, 'signing' can mean writing a signature on a document or using hand gestures in sign language, depending on context.
Yes, in sports, 'signing' often refers to the process of a player agreeing to join a team by signing a contract.
While generally similar, British English may use 'transfer' more in football, and American English emphasizes 'signing' in contexts like bonuses or incentives.
The act of writing one's signature on a document or using hand gestures to communicate in sign language.
Signing is usually neutral to formal in register.
Signing: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsaɪnɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsaɪnɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “signing on the dotted line”
- “signing away one's rights”
- “signing off on something”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'sign' as in a signature or a sign, and add '-ing' for the ongoing action—like signing your name or signing a deal.
Conceptual Metaphor
Signing as sealing or binding, representing commitment, agreement, or formalization.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'signing' specifically related to communication?